Folding card toys

ABSTRACT

The invention provides three-dimensional folding toys constructed from planar sheets as well as kits having material and instructions for creating such toys.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of toys. The invention relates to three-dimensional folding toys constructed from planar sheets (e.g., playing cards) as well as kits and methods of construction of such toys.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children and adults have long enjoyed creating designs from paper through origami and kirigami. However, typical constructions are not designed to be capable of easily returning to their original unconstructed state. Furthermore, in many instances traditional constructions have pieces cut off from the material they are formed from (either from an edge or from the interior). There is also a continual need/desire for improved and new designs and functionality. The present invention provides these and other features that will be appreciated and apparent upon review of the following.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various aspects, the current invention comprises a three-dimensional folding toy formed from a semi-rigid or flexible sheet such as a playing card.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a three-dimensional folding toy comprising a structure formed from a semi-rigid planar sheet (e.g., a substantially rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond shaped, polygonal, oval, or circular planar sheet made from, e.g., vinyl, paper, laminated paper, metal, plastic, or wood). In typical embodiments the planar sheet is substantially bilaterally symmetrical, comprises one or more cuts, and does not have any cut that extends across the entire sheet or entirely isolates any portion of the sheet. The one or more cuts/slots form one or more appendages from the sheet such that the appendages can fold from the geometric plane of the sheet (and optionally interact with the cuts/slots, other appendages, and/or a body region) thereby forming a three-dimensional structure. In typical embodiments, the planar sheet comprises at least two cuts which are bilaterally symmetrical in regard to the sheet. Also, in typical embodiments, the toys of the invention do not use glue, adhesive, or any fastener that is not formed from the material of the planar sheet to maintain the toys' three-dimensional structure. In some embodiments the sheet the toy is formed from can be colored, patterned, textured, embossed and/or otherwise decorated on at least part of the sheet and on one or both sides of the sheet. In typical embodiments, after it has been folded into its three-dimensional form, the toy can be unfolded back into the form of the planar sheet. In many, but not all embodiments, the folded three-dimensional form is a zoomorphic figure such as a stylized animal or insect. Also in typical embodiments, the three-dimensional structure of the folded toy is maintained by contact between at least two portions of the sheet with one another (e.g., such as an appendage intersecting with a cut/slot in another region of the planar sheet) and the structure can optionally maintain the three-dimensional shape (both in relation to itself and in relation to a surface it is placed on, i.e., balance upon a surface) without external mechanical support.

In some such embodiments, the invention comprises a three-dimensional folding toy having a bilaterally symmetrical sheet with a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge and an axis of symmetry running from the top edge to the bottom edge. In such embodiments, the toy has a body region that is defined by at least a first pair of body cuts which run generally parallel to the axis; at least a first pair of appendage cuts that run generally parallel with the axis (for at least a portion of the cuts) thereby forming at least a first pair of appendages and at least a second pair of appendage cuts that run generally parallel with the axis (for at least a portion of the cuts) thereby forming at least a second pair of appendages where each set of paired cuts are symmetrical with each other across the axis of symmetry. In such embodiments the first appendage cuts and the second appendage cuts create appendages along opposing edges of the sheet (e.g., top/bottom, left/right). It will be appreciated that in some instances the first and/or the second appendage cuts are the same cuts as the body cuts (the cuts form both the appendages and also form the body). In some embodiments, the first and/or the second appendage cuts can have one or more sections that are generally perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and can optionally have at least a second section that is also generally parallel to the body cuts. In some embodiments the first and/or second appendage cuts can form one or more third appendages (or fourth appendages, fifth appendages, etc.). Also, some embodiments comprise more than two pairs of appendage cuts, thus forming more than two pairs of appendages. Such additional appendage cuts can behave like the first and second paired appendage cuts and have at least one portion that is generally parallel to the axis, and/or at least one portion that is generally perpendicular to the axis. In some embodiments, the toy is structured by bending the body section by at least 180 degrees from the sheet thus bringing one portion/section of the sheet into contact with another portion/section of the sheet, e.g., bringing the top end of the body section in contact with the bottom end of the body section. In some embodiments, the folded toy retains its 3D shape by using interlocking (e.g., through cuts/slots) between the first appendages and the second appendages or between the first and/or second appendages and the body region.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises one or more folding toy, the toy comprising one or more planar sheet as chosen from those shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A, wherein the lines shown in such figures indicate premade cuts in the sheet or markings/scorings/perforations indicating where cuts are to be made. In other embodiments, the invention comprises a 3D folding toy, the toy comprising one or more folded or assembled toy as chosen from those shown in FIGS. 1B-1H, 2B-H, 3B-H, 4B-H, 5B-H, 6B-H, 7B-H, 8B-H, and 9B-H. In such embodiments, the folded toys are constructed from one or more planar sheets as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a three-dimensional folding toy which comprises a bilaterally symmetrical sheet comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge, wherein an axis of symmetry runs from the top edge to the bottom edge; at least a first pair of body cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel to the axis and which define a body region therebetween; at least a first pair of appendage cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel with the axis in at least one or more portions of the cuts, thereby forming at least a first pair of appendages; and, at least a second pair of appendage cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel with the axis in at least one or more portions of the cuts, thereby forming at least a second pair of appendages; and, wherein the paired cuts are symmetrical with each other across the axis of symmetry.

In some such embodiments, the first appendage cuts and the second appendage cuts create appendages along the left and right edges of the sheet. The first and/or the second appendage cuts can optionally be the same cuts as the body cuts and in some embodiments can comprise one or more sections that are generally perpendicular to the axis of symmetry; can comprise at least a second section that is generally parallel to the axis of symmetry; and/or can form one or more third appendages. In some embodiments, the toy is structured by bending the body section by at least 180 degrees from the sheet thus bringing the top end of the body section in contact with the bottom end of the body section. Typically the sheets the toys are comprised from comprise cuts but do not comprise voids. The sheets the toys are comprised from are typically symmetrical and have outer edges that have a shape selected from the group consisting of: a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, a diamond, a polygon, an oval, and a circle. Typically all surfaces of such sheets are integral and do not comprise surfaces that are completely separated by a cut from the rest of the sheet. In typical embodiments, the three-dimensional toy structure retains its shape using interlocking/interaction between the first appendages and the second appendages or between the first and/or second appendages and the body region.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a three-dimensional folding toy comprising: a bilaterally symmetrical sheet comprising a top end (up on the sheet), a bottom end (down on the sheet), a left side and a right side, wherein an axis of symmetry runs from the top end to the bottom end; a pair of body cuts running generally parallel to the axis, defining a body region therebetween; a pair of top cuts located in a top half of the sheet and running out laterally then turning more downward, wherein the top cuts do not directly intersect body cuts; and, a pair of bottom cuts originating at the bottoms of the body cuts, running out laterally then turning more upward; wherein the paired cuts are symmetrical with each other across the axis of symmetry. In some such embodiments, the cuts running down and the bottom cuts running up define top and bottom appendage regions respectively between the cuts and respective left and right edges of the sheet; the bottom of the top cuts or top of the bottom cuts turn laterally to intersect the left and right edges; and/or the bottom end of the top cuts terminates at a bottom cut or the card edge; or wherein the top end of the bottom cuts terminates at a top cut or the sheet edge. In typical embodiments, the sheet has cuts but no voids and the outer edges of the symmetrical sheet have a shape selected from the group consisting of: a square, a rectangle, a circle, a diamond, an oval, a triangle, and a polygon. Also in typical embodiments, the entire surface of the sheet is integral, without areas cut off from the rest of the surface by a cut. In some such embodiments the invention comprises an assembled three dimensional (3D) toy structure formed by bending the body section by at least 180 degrees along the axis and bringing the top end within a ¼ axis length from the bottom end. In typical embodiments, the 3D toy structure retains its shape using interlocking (e.g., via cuts) between top appendages and bottom appendages, top appendages and the body region, or the body region and bottom appendages.

The invention also comprises the 3D toys of the embodiments herein that are disassembled or unfolded back into a planar sheet. Furthermore, the invention also includes any of the embodiments herein wherein the toy further comprises a marking or other information bearing component that can be read, tracked, or registered by optical, infrared, radiofrequency, or other sensory methods by a sensing device for the collection of data from the toy and/or its surroundings. Such sensing devices can comprise a computer, gaming system, smart phone, tablet, wearable electronic device, or biomedically implanted electronic device. The invention also includes a multipart three dimensional toy wherein the multipart toy comprises at least 2 components, which components comprise a three dimensional folding toy of any embodiment of the invention

In the various embodiments herein, the toys of the invention are constructed from sheets that do not have voids or cut-out sections and the outer edges of the symmetrical sheet can be rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond shaped, polygonal, oval, or circular. Furthermore, in the various embodiments herein, the typical sheets are integral and do not have any portions that are completely separated by a cut from the rest of the sheet, i.e., no areas of the sheet are cut off. The toys of the various embodiments herein typically retain their shape by interlocking or interaction (e.g., via cuts/slots) between the various appendages (e.g., between the first and the second appendages), between the appendages and the body region, and/or between different portions of the body region. The invention also includes three-dimensional toys that are disassembled back into a planar sheet.

The invention also includes kits for constructing a three-dimensional folding toy. Such kits typically include one or more planar sheets and instructions for constructing the folding toy from the one or more planar sheets. In such kits, the planar sheets can be pre-cut with all cuts necessary to form the folding toy or can be pre-cut with less than all cuts necessary to form the folding toy. The sheets can also comprise one or more markings, scorings, or perforations through the sheets to indicate where some or all cuts necessary to form the toy are to be made. The sheets in such kits can be made of, e.g., vinyl, paper, laminated paper, plastic, metal, or wood and can be rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond shaped, polygonal, oval, or circular. The sheets can also be colored, patterned, textured, embossed, and/or otherwise decorated on at least part of their surfaces (on one or both sides of the sheets). In such kits, the instructions can direct a user regarding the cuts to make in the sheets and/or the folding of one or more portions of the sheet needed to create the three-dimensional toy. The instructions can be present in the kit in printed or electronic form or can be present in an accessible electronic format via the internet.

DEFINITIONS

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not necessarily limited to particular toys or toy systems/kits/methods, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not necessarily intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a sheet” can include a combination of two or more sheets; reference to “sheets” can include mixtures of sheets, and the like.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be practiced without undue experimentation based on the present disclosure, typical materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

As used herein, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back” are as in common usage, e.g., from the orientation and description of a planar sheet. An “edge” or “side” is as known in the art; e.g., the final extent of a sheet plane. Such directional terms are further illustrated in the description of the Figures below.

As used herein, an “appendage” describes a region of a planar sheet that is partially isolated by one or more cuts from the rest of the sheet. For example, a cut made near the edge of a planar sheet which runs from the top of the sheet to near the bottom, thus isolating a region of the sheet, thereby forms an appendage. It will be appreciated that appendages are not completely isolated from the main planar sheet, but rather still have some uncut integrity with the rest of the sheet. Appendages can be of various shapes depending on the cuts which form them. In some embodiments herein, appendages can be described as “limbs,” “legs,” “arms,” “wings,” “antennae,” or the like in structures that are zoomorphic in folded form. Appendages are further described in the description below. In a similar manner, a “body” herein refers to a region typically central to the planar sheet which is partially isolated from the rest of the sheet by at least one, and typically two or more, cuts and from which, or to which, one or more appendages are still integrally connected. Here too, the cuts do not totally isolate the body region from the rest of the sheet (i.e., it is still integrally connected to the rest of the sheet). When the body is formed from two (or more) cuts, such cuts are typically bilaterally symmetrical. Such region can correspond to the “body” (or thorax, torso, etc.) region of a zoomorphic creation when the toy is in its three-dimensional form.

A “slot” as used herein is used interchangeably with a “cut”. Thus, a slot is a cut through the material of the planar sheet. An appendage or other slot can interact with a slot (e.g., an appendage can pierce through a slot, an appendage can rest in a slot, another slot can rest in the slot, etc.). Slots can meet with an edge of the planar sheet, can be those which are isolated within the planar sheet and which do not intersect with other slots or with a sheet edge, or can be those which branch off from another cut anywhere within the sheet. Illustrations of types of slots are described in more detail below.

As used herein, “substantially” and “generally” both refer to largely or predominantly, but not necessarily entirely, the attribute which is being described, e.g., a “substantially parallel” line can be taken to indicate a predominantly, but not necessarily completely, parallel line, etc. The term “about,” as used herein, indicates the value of a given quantity can include quantities ranging within 10% or less of the stated value, within 9% or less of the stated value, within 8% or less of the stated value, within 7% or less of the stated value, within 6% or less of the stated value, within 5% or less of the stated value, within 4% or less of the stated value, within 3% or less of the stated value, within 2% or less of the stated value, within 1% or less of the stated value, or within less than 1% of the stated value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that the planar views in the Figures herein (i.e., “A” views) are symmetrical around a vertical axis. Therefore, when a feature such as a cut is labeled on one side of the planar views, it should be appreciated that the mirrored cut on the opposite of the figure has the same label.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D-1H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 1A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D-1H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D-2H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 2A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2D-2H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 3A-3H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 3A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D-3H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 4A and 4B-4H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 4A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 4B-4H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 5A and 5B-5H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 5A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 5B-5H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 6A and 6B-6H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 6A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 6B-6H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 7A-7H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 7A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 7B-7H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 8A and 8B-8H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 8A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 8B-8H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

FIGS. 9A and 9B-9H, show views of an exemplary toy of the invention, with FIG. 9A illustrating the cuts present in the planar sheet, and FIGS. 9B-9H giving various views of the toy once it has been folded into its three-dimensional shape (i.e., perspective views, top view, bottom view, side views).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention presents three-dimensional folding toys created from planar sheets such as playing cards or similar material, along with kits and methods for making the same. The toys can exist folded into their three-dimensional shape or can exist as a planar sheet.

Sheets

While in many embodiments the toys of the invention are constructed from playing cards or playing card stock, it will be appreciated that they can also be constructed from a number of other materials as well. For example, the toys herein can be constructed from paper other than playing card stock (e.g., typing paper, cardboard, construction paper, paperboard, etc.), laminated paper (e.g., paper laminated with plastic, metal, foil, etc.), metal or foil, or wood or bamboo (typically thin layers of wood or bamboo or laminated wood or bamboo capable of bending), various types of thin plastics or other polymers, etc. In some embodiments, the toys can comprise vinyl, vinyl derivatives, or other poly-vinyl compositions (e.g., flexible or semi-flexible vinyls). For example, some embodiments can comprise vinyl sheets such as “Dura-Go” rigid vinyl sheets from Tekra® (New Berlin, Wis.) or other similar vinyl and/or vinyl coated sheets (e.g., vinyl coated paper or the like). In general, the material used for construction is capable of bending without easily breaking or tearing and is semi-rigid and flexible. The material used can be such that, while flexible, it is also resilient/springy and, therefore, tends to exert some pressure to return to its original shape when bent. The sheets are not necessarily limited by their thickness as long as the sheet is flexible and resilient/springy. For example, various embodiments can comprise sheets with a thickness of about 0.20 mm, 0.21 mm, 0.22 mm, 0.23 mm, 0.24 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.26 mm, 0.27 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.29 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.31 mm, or 0.32 mm, etc. In some embodiments the sheets can comprise a thickness of 10 mils (0.254 mm), 13 mils (0.3302 mm), 15 mils (0.381 mm), 18 mils (0.4572 mm), or 20 mils (0.508 mm). Unless stated otherwise, the material (and its thickness) used for construction of toys should not necessarily be taken as limiting.

In many, but not all, embodiments, the planar sheet from which the toys are constructed is rectangular and typically in the same dimensions as a traditional playing card. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9 show examples of rectangular sheets (see, e.g., 100 in FIG. 1A, 200 in FIG. 2A, 300 in FIG. 3A, 400 in FIG. 4A, 500 in FIG. 5A, 600 in FIG. 6A, 700 in FIG. 7A, 800 in FIG. 8A, and 900 in FIG. 9A). In different embodiments herein, the planar sheet from which the toys are constructed can be of different outline. Thus, for example, the outline of the planar sheet can be substantially or completely rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond shaped, polygonal, oval, or circular. Other outline shapes are also present in different embodiments. In typical embodiments, the outline shape is symmetrical around an axis (or around multiple axes). Additionally, in typical embodiments, the outline shape of the planar sheet does not comprise protuberances, tabs, or the like. Unless stated otherwise, the outline shape and the size of the sheets in the invention should not necessarily be taken as limiting. It will be appreciated that when the outline shape of the planar sheet is described as “square” or the like, it describes the sheet when it is not folded into the three-dimensional toy.

The planar sheets used in the toys of the invention can optionally be colored, patterned, embossed, laminated with stickers (see also Accessories below), or decorated in other similar fashions. In some embodiments, the sheets are colored/patterned to match a particular animal/insect. For example, in some embodiments, the toys comprise a zoomorphic shape such as a stylized praying mantis. Therefore, such embodiments can optionally comprise colored/patterned material consistent with the coloring/patterning of a praying mantis The coloring/patterning/etc. can be on one or more areas of the sheet or can cover the entire sheet. The different faces of the sheet (i.e., the front and back of the sheet) can comprise different coloring/patterning in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the planar sheets are pre-cut. In other words, some or all of the cuts necessary for the folding to achieve the three-dimensional shape are already pre-made into the sheet. In other embodiments, the lines to be cut are marked on the sheet (e.g., with ink lines, scoring, or perforations), but are not cut and are to be cut by the end user. In yet other embodiments, the planar sheets are uncut and unmarked and the appropriate cuts are made through directions supplied with the toy or available at a specified location (e.g., a website) which location is available with the toy.

In some embodiments, the toys are pre-folded, while in other embodiments, the toys are supplied in the planar sheet form and directions are optionally included (or are otherwise available) for cutting, folding, decorating, and otherwise constructing the three-dimensional forms.

In many embodiments, the three-dimensional form of the toys are zoomorphic or stylized zoomorphic. Thus, many, but not all, of the embodiments comprise stylized representations of animals, insects, birds, fish, amphibians, mythological creatures, humans, anthropomorphized animals, animal/machine hybrids, etc. or any combinations thereof. In some of the embodiments herein, the appendages can represent or imply (and are described in) zoomorphic terms, e.g., arms, legs, wings, heads, feet, hands, antennae, etc. Unless otherwise noted, the zoomorphic shape of the toys should not necessarily be taken as limiting. It will be appreciated that while the embodiments illustrated herein are primarily zoomorphic, the invention includes toys having other shapes as well, e.g., machines, vehicles, weapons, tools, abstract shapes, etc. as well as any combinations thereof or any combinations with any recited categories herein.

Appendages/Cuts

For ease of description, the regions of the toys herein can be grouped into categories such as appendages, bodies, slots/cuts, etc. It will be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments, the terms “appendage” and “body” can optionally overlap. In other words, depending on the particular form the toy has, a structural feature can be termed an appendage or a body, etc. Also for ease of description, the sides/edges of the planar sheets can be labeled as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” and “right,” i.e., as used in common description of a planar sheet with one broad planar face towards a user. For example, the Figures show top sides 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, and 901; bottom sides 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, and 902; left sides 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703, 803, and 903; and right sides 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, and 904. The exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures also have axes of symmetry 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705, 805, and 905.

Appendages in the toys herein are regions that are partially (but not entirely) cut off from the rest of the planar sheet by one or more cuts. The shape, form, length, etc. of an appendage can differ between embodiments. Some appendages can be formed from two or more cuts. In typical embodiments, an appendage on one side of a toy (e.g., an appendage formed from an area on the left side of a planar sheet) is mirrored on the other side of the toy around the axis of symmetry (i.e., a mirrored appendage is also formed from an area on the right side of the sheet). Thus, the cuts which form the mirrored appendages are also mirrored. For example, in FIG. 1, appendage 150 is formed by cut 106 (i.e., appendage 150 is the area cut off by cut 106, thus comprising the region roughly defined by cut 106 and right edge 104); appendage 160 is formed by cut 108, and appendage 170 is formed by both cuts 106 and 108. Such cuts and appendages formed from the cuts are mirrored on the left side of the sheet and on the left side of the assembled figures. In FIG. 2A, appendage 250 is formed by cut 208 and appendage 260 is formed by cuts 208 and 207, etc. The creation of appendage 150 by cut 106 also illustrates that an “appendage” area can in some embodiments not have a clearcut boundary between itself and a “body” area. See below. It will also be appreciated that while several cuts in the Figures comprise labeled subparts, e.g., 106 a, the entirety of the cut should still be considered to be labeled the same number.

Again, the exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures and described herein are all symmetrical around an axis; therefore, one of skill will appreciate that when appendages are described on one side of the planar sheet (and, thus, also on one side of the formed toy), a corresponding mirror appendage will be present on the other side even though such are not necessarily detailed herein.

A body in the toys herein is a region typically central to the planar sheet that is partially isolated from the rest of the sheet by at least one, and typically two or more, cuts. Here too, the cuts do not totally isolate the region from the rest of the sheet (i.e., the body region is still integral to the rest of the sheet typically through connection with various appendages). When the body is formed from two cuts, such cuts are typically bilaterally symmetrical. Such region can correspond to the “body” (or thorax, torso, etc.) region of a zoomorphic creation when the toy is in the three-dimensional form. Body regions are typically contiguous with appendages and other areas in the toys herein; the regions are all part of the same planar sheet and there are typically not clearcut boundaries between an area that is termed a body and one that is termed an appendage. In other words, in typical embodiments, the body and appendages can be contiguous with one another with no hard delineation between them. See e.g., body 180, body 270, body 390, body 490, body 580, body 690, body 770, body 880, and body 980. Again, it will be appreciated that regions comprising a body can also in some embodiments transition into areas described as an appendage.

As stated above, a slot is a cut through the material of the planar sheet. An appendage/body or other slot can interact with such slots (e.g., an appendage can pierce through a slot, an appendage can rest in a slot, another slot can rest in the slot, an edge cut can rest in a slot, etc.) when the toys are in their 3D forms. In some embodiments, slots are cuts which meet with an edge of the planar sheet (see, e.g., slot 107, slot 210, slot 509, slot 907, etc.), while in other embodiments, slots are cuts that are isolated within the planar sheet and which do not intersect with other cuts or with a sheet edge (see, e.g., slot 206, slot 515, slot 706, slot 707, and slot 908, etc.). In yet other embodiments, slots are cuts that branch off from another cut anywhere within the sheet (see, e.g., slot 209, slot 309, etc.). The toys of the invention also include embodiments having cuts through the planar sheet that do not necessarily act as interaction points (e.g., ones that do not have an appendage or other slot interact with them, etc.) but serve other functions such as allowing proper folding or tension or for aesthetic/form reasons. See, for example, slot 515 and slot 706.

Once the appendages are positioned in their three-dimensional form (i.e., once the toy is cut and folded into its three-dimensional form), the appendages and other components are optionally folded so that they interact or intersect with one or more other areas of the toy. Similarly, the body of typical embodiments interacts in one or more locations with other regions of the toy (e.g., with various appendages or with other areas of the body). Thus, in various embodiments, any region of a toy (e.g., appendage, body, slot, etc.) can optionally interact with any other area depending upon the particular embodiment. As previously mentioned, in many embodiments, the different parts of the toy interact with each other through use of slots (see above). However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, different regions are, e.g., folded around one another, folded together, hooked together, braced against one another, supported by one another, opposed by one another, constrained by one another, etc. rather than through interaction of slots.

Stability

An aspect common to typical embodiments herein, is that the toys once folded keep their three-dimensional shape without use of added glue/adhesives or the like, or fasteners such as staples, clips, brads, etc. Instead, the three-dimensional forms are stabilized through interaction of the various appendages/bodies with one another (e.g., through use of slots and/or folding). In some embodiments, the bodies and/or appendages of the toys are folded into a curved form (e.g., optionally because of interaction with other areas elsewhere on the toy such as via interaction through a slot or through folding or through contact with a surface, etc.) forming a curved area such as shown in FIG. 1B (area 140), FIG. 3C (area 340), or area 8C (area 840), etc. Because the material from which the toys is formed is typically flexible yet resilient, the curved areas are under tension (i.e., the curved material tends towards unfolding back to its original shape); this tension can place pressure on other areas of the toys thus forcing certain areas together and stabilizing the final three-dimensional shape. It will also be appreciated that some embodiments do not comprise such curved areas but are still stable due to interaction of the various component parts.

Another beneficial aspect to typical toys herein is that once the toys are folded into their three-dimensional form, they are not only stable in shape, but they are also typically stable in balance. Thus, it will be appreciated that the folded toys can stably balance on a surface by resting on points of their structure, e.g., on their appendages, etc.

Based on the views of the planar sheets and the final three-dimensional folded forms as shown in the Figures, one of skill will readily be able to determine the appropriate foldings and manipulations needed to bring the toys into their final three-dimensional shapes.

Information Augmented/Enhanced Toys

In some embodiments, the toys can comprise one or more markings or other information bearing components, aspects, pieces, etc., that (when the toys are folded and/or when planar) can be read, tracked or otherwise registered by optical, infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or any other sensory detection method for the purpose of reading, understanding, collecting, or curating data or digital information.

For example, in some embodiments, the folding toy can be marked, either in or on the planar sheet before folding and/or post folding, or via attachment of accessories (see below), so that the marking can be read or registered in the unfolded and/or folded state. The markings can be, but are not limited to: Universal Product Code (UPC) markings, inks, metals, metal inks, microchips or other electronic transmission devices, Quick Response (QR) code markings, etc. The marking can be used to augment, enhance, edit, or prompt user interaction through devices that sense the marking and can read/track its data, e.g., computers, gaming systems, smart-phones, tablets, wearable electronic devices, bio-medically implanted electronic devices, or other devices or platforms. This reading/tracking can be used to include, enhance, or construct virtual reality or augmented reality, e.g., for use in massive multiplayer online environments or the like. Those of skill in the art will be familiar with augmented reality enhanced card games such as Lightseekers Awakening from Playfusion™ (Cambridge, UK) and the augmented reality platforms presented by Vufonia™ (Needham, Mass.) which teach reading/tracking information bearing components to create augmented/enhanced reality that can optionally be used in conjunction with, and/or as components of, the folding toys herein.

Thus in some embodiments, the invention comprises a three dimensional folding card toy which comprises an information bearing element (e.g., marking, etc.) that is detectable by, and/or transmits to, a receiving (sensing) device for the purpose of reading, understanding, collecting, or curating data or digital information, e.g., for the purpose of augmenting, enhancing, editing, or prompting user interaction through computers, gaming systems, smart-phones, tablets, wearable electronic devices, bio-medically implanted electronic devices, or other devices or platforms. Such embodiments can be used in virtual reality, augmented reality, and/or massive multiplayer online game environments. For example, data gathered from, and/or stored within, the marking can comprise information such as a player's identity, characteristics, actions, etc., in an online, electronic, and/or multiparty game. In some embodiments, the markings can comprise education information, e.g., information about a particular animal or character which the toy is shaped to resemble, etc. In the various embodiments, such information can be sensed by a device such as a smart phone, tablet, etc., and presented to a user of the toy and/or to other individuals such as other players within a multiplayer game.

Accessories

In some embodiments, the toys of the invention can comprise one or more accessories. An accessory in such embodiments typically comprises a part that is not originally from, or part of, the planar sheet from which the toy is folded. For example, some embodiments can comprise accessories such as stickers (mentioned elsewhere herein), rings, bells, brads, plugs, and/or other differently shaped components, etc., comprising plastic, metal, paper, fiber, inks, composite, electronic devices such as microchips, resin, and/or other material composition. The accessories can, for example, form part of the toy shape formed from the planar card, e.g., metal/plastic tusks for an elephant or the like, a sword for a warrior, etc. The accessories can also include decoration through a sticker, the addition of augmented reality through adding of a transmitting accessory (see above), etc. Accessories can also include stickers/decals that add an additional three dimensional aspect to the toys, e.g., in some embodiments, the stickers/decals themselves are three dimensional, such as puffy stickers or decals. The accessories can be attached to the planar sheet through any convenient method (either before and/or after the toy is folded). Those of skill in the art will be familiar with methods such as clipping, adhering, gluing, looping, piercing, pinning, stapling, use of magnetic and electrostatic forces, etc. by which the accessories can be added to a toy of the invention.

Multiplicity

In some embodiments the invention includes toys that are constructed out of more than one starting planar sheet. For example, some embodiments include wherein the final toy is formed from the interaction of multiple subparts or subcomponents that are each folded from a separate individual planar sheet (or from a discrete area within a larger planar sheet in embodiments wherein a single planar sheet is separatable into smaller individual sheets that are used to form each subpart). Such subparts can comprise particular parts, areas, or aspects of the final toy. Thus, for example, in embodiments wherein the final toy is an anthropomorphic animal, each individual subpart can comprise, e.g., a leg, wing, thorax, etc. of a final toy animal.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, such subparts can be enjoyed singularly as well as part of the multiple component toy. In other words, in some embodiments, the individual subparts by themselves can be viewed as complete toys (e.g., an anthropomorphized figure, etc.), as well as being part of the multipart toy (e.g., forming a limb of a multipart toy created from the subparts). In various embodiments, each individual subpart toy can be similar to, the same as, or different from the other subpart toys that make up the multipart toy as well as similar to, the same as, or different than the final multipart toy in shape or form.

In some multipart toy embodiments, the individual subparts can be attached to one another through folding, interlocking parts, etc. similar as to how the non-multipart toys are stabilized as described elsewhere herein. In other embodiments, while the individual subpart components can be folded into their three dimensional form via interlocking slots/appendages, etc., the different individual subparts can be connected to one another through other routes such as via clips, tape, adhesive, glue, staples, etc. Other methods of combining the various subparts can include, but are not limited to: stacking together, nesting together, looping various parts of the subparts together, piercing one subpart with one or more piece/area of another subpart, pinning the subparts together, stapling the subparts together, connecting the subparts via magnetic or electrostatic forces, or other methods of connection. Of course, again in other embodiments, the individual sub-parts are connected to one another via folding and interlocking of their various slots/appendages without the use of any glue, adhesive, or other methods not consisting solely of the planar sheets, etc.

It will be appreciated that the toys herein, whether comprising a single component (e.g., made from a single planar sheet) or multiple components (e.g., made from multiple planar sheets) can also optionally be combined with other toys or game pieces such as game tokens, dice, etc., which will be familiar to those of skill in the art.

Overview of Exemplary Embodiments

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a folding toy comprising in its unfolded form, a planar sheet (e.g., sheet 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900), which has a top edge (e.g., edge 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, or 901), a bottom edge (e.g., edge 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, or 902), a right edge (e.g., edge 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, or 904), and a left edge (e.g., edge 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703, 803, or 903) as well as an axis of symmetry running from the top edge to the bottom edge (e.g., axis 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705, 805, or 905). Such embodiments typically comprise at least a pair of cuts (e.g., body cuts 106, 207/208, 308/307/306, 406/407/408/409, 507/508, 606/607/608, 708, 806/807, or 909) outlining the body of the toy (e.g., body 180, 270, 390, 490, 580, 690, 770, 880, or 980) which is bilaterally symmetrical in regard to the axis. It will be appreciated that a number of such cuts comprise subregions, e.g., 106 a, 106 b, etc. illustrating a portion of the cut having a different orientation, etc. It will also be appreciated that the cuts forming the body can also be the same cuts forming one or more appendages. For example, cuts 106, 508, 606, 608, 708, 806, 909, etc., have portions that primarily outline the body of a toy, e.g., 106 c, 508 b, 606 b, 608 b, 708 b, 806 b, and 909 b, while other areas of the same cuts primarily outline one or more appendage. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments in the Figures, one of skill will appreciate that in some embodiments, multiple paired cuts can be involved in outlining the body.

In some embodiments, first and second pairs of appendage cuts create appendages along the left and right edges of the sheet or along the top/bottom edges of the sheet (e.g., appendages 150/170/160, 250/260, 350/360/370/380, 450/460/470/480/485, 550/560/570, 650/660/670/680, 750/760, 850/860/870, or 950/960/970). In many, but not necessarily all embodiments, the paired appendage cuts have one end ending on a left or right edge (and/or a top or bottom edge). Again, as will be apparent from review of the exemplary embodiments herein, the paired appendage cuts can be the same cuts which form the body (i.e., can be the same as the body cuts). In some embodiments, the paired appendage cuts can comprise at least a first section (and optionally a second, third, or more section) that is generally parallel to the axis of symmetry (e.g., 106 d, the parallel portion of 106 closest to side 104, 108 b, the parallel portion of 108 closest to side 104, etc.) and one or more sections (e.g., a second, third, or more section) that are generally perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (e.g., 106 a/ 108 a, 806 a/807 a) and, optionally, can comprise at least a second (or more) section that is parallel or generally or substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry (e.g., 106 b or 106 c, 508 b, 606 b, 608 b, 806 b, 909 b). It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the appendage cuts (and thus the appendages and in some instances the body outline) have regions that are curved and/or are not parallel or perpendicular or even generally parallel or generally perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. Thus, in some embodiments, the appendage cuts can comprise one or more regions that are curved and/or are between 0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4, 0-5, 0-10, 0-15, 0-20, 0-25, 0-30, 0-35, 0-40, 0-45, 0-50, 0-55, 0-60, 0-65, 0-70, 0-75, 0-80, 0-85, 0-90, 0-95, 0-100, 0-105, 0-110, 0-115, 0-120, 0-125, 0-130, 0-135, 0-140, 0-145, 0-150, 0-155, 0-160, 0-165, 0-170, 0-175, or 0-180 degrees from the axis of symmetry. See, e.g., cuts 207 and 208 in FIG. 2 which show curved regions as do cuts e.g., 409 and 906. Other examples in the exemplary embodiments showing cuts that are not necessarily entirely parallel/perpendicular to the axis of symmetry include e.g., cuts/cut regions 306 a/307 a, 406 a/407 a/408 a, 507, 508 a, 508 c, 607, 606 a/608 a, and 909 a. Additional cuts/cut regions that are at different degrees from the axis of symmetry include, e.g., 307 b and 708 b. In some embodiments, the paired first and second appendage cuts can also form one or more third appendage pair (e.g., cuts 106/108 and appendages 150/160/170, etc.).

In some embodiments, the three-dimensional structure of the toy is created at least in part by bending the body section or an appendage by 180 degrees from the sheet thus bringing one end of the body section or appendage in contact with another area of the body section or appendage (or with another appendage or with a surface upon which the toy rests). In other embodiments, the region can be bent less than or more than 180 degrees from the plane of the sheet and can optionally be brought into contact with other parts of the toy or with a surface. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional structure of the toys herein can be retained through use of interlocking slots between one or more appendages or between one or more appendages and the body, or between different areas of the body. For example, the insertion of appendage 150 into slot 107 in appendage 160 as seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C or the insertion of appendage 750 through slot 707 as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, etc. As stated previously, in typical embodiments, the toys once folded into their 3D shapes are stable. In other words, the toys typically do not come unfolded by themselves, but rather, retain their 3D folded shape until unfolded by a user. The toys can also typically rest on a surface, e.g., on one or more appendages in their 3D form.

Kits for Making Folding Toys and Use of Folding Toys as Parts of Games

Kits for making the folding toys are also part of the invention. In various embodiments, kits can comprise material to form the toys as well as instructions. For example, kits can comprise one or more planar sheet to form one or more toys. The planar sheets can be solid unmarked sheets (i.e., without any premade cuts or markings/indications for cuts), can be precut sheets (i.e., with some or all of the cuts necessary to form the toy already made), or can be premarked (i.e., the cuts to be made can be indicated on the planar sheets through printed lines, scorings, perforations, or other markings). In some embodiments, the sheets are both precut and preformed into the final three-dimensional shape.

Kits of the invention also typically include instructions either printed or otherwise recorded (e.g., on compact disc, etc.). Kits can also include directions on how to access instructions not physically included in the kit. For example, the kits can include a URL or web address directing users to a website where instructions are located. Instructions can include directions for cutting the planar sheets, marking the planar sheets prior to cutting/folding, and folding and/or unfolding the three-dimensional forms. Instructions can also include directions for decorating the toys, e.g., directions for placing stickers (which are optionally included in the kits), or directions for printing patterns or pictures on the planar sheets (e.g., via an ink jet printer or laser printer, etc.). Standard graphics software can be used to design visual presentations, e.g., patterning of the sheets to mimic animal skin, etc. Kits can include software with templates for predesigned patterns or colors, or which allows users to design their own designs for printing on the sheets.

Kits of the invention can also include wherein the toy material and/or instructions are packaged together, e.g., in a box or other container. Kits can also include books/pamphlets/etc. where the pages of the book can optionally be detached in whole or in part to form the planar sheets for the toys. As with the description above, such pages can be precut, premarked, etc.

In some instances, the folding card toys herein can be a component or part of another game, toy, set, construction, form, module, design virtual construct, computer simulation, model, or product. For example, the card toys herein can be game pieces or tokens used in the context of a larger game such as a Trading Card Game (TCG) or traditional board game or as part of an online or electronic game such as a multiplayer online game.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear to one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, all the techniques and toys/sheets described above can be used in various combinations. All publications, patents, patent applications, and/or other documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, and/or other document were individually indicated to be incorporated by reference for all purposes. 

1. A three-dimensional folding toy, the toy comprising a structure formed from a semi-rigid planar sheet; wherein the planar sheet is substantially bilaterally symmetrical; wherein the sheet comprises one or more cuts, which cuts do not extend across the entire sheet, and which cuts do not entirely isolate any portion of the sheet; and, wherein the one or more cuts form one or more appendages from the sheet, which appendages can fold from the geometric plane of the sheet and optionally interact with the cuts and/or the appendages thereby forming a three-dimensional structure.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the planar sheet comprises at least two cuts which are bilaterally symmetrical in regard to the sheet.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. The toy of claim 1, wherein the planar sheet comprises a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge, wherein an axis of symmetry runs from the top edge to the bottom edge; at least a first pair of body cuts running generally parallel to the axis, defining a body region therebetween; at least a first pair of appendage cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel with the axis in at least one or more portions of the cuts, thereby forming at least a first pair of appendages; and, at least a second pair of appendage cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel with the axis in at least one or more portions of the cuts, thereby forming at least a second pair of appendages; wherein the paired cuts are symmetrical with each other across the axis of symmetry.
 13. The toy of claim 12, wherein the first appendage cuts and the second appendage cuts create appendages along the left and right edges of the sheet.
 14. The toy of claim 12, wherein first and/or the second appendage cuts are the same cuts as the body cuts.
 15. The toy of claim 12, wherein the first and/or the second appendage cuts comprise one or more sections that are generally perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
 16. The toy of claim 15, wherein the first and/or the second appendage cuts comprise at least a second section that is generally parallel to the axis of symmetry.
 17. The toy of claim 12, wherein the first and/or second appendage cuts form one or more third appendages.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A three-dimensional folding toy, the toy comprising a bilaterally symmetrical sheet comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge, wherein an axis of symmetry runs from the top edge to the bottom edge; at least a first pair of body cuts located in the sheet and which run generally parallel to the axis, defining a body region therebetween; at least a first pair of appendage cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel with the axis in at least one or more portions of the cuts, thereby forming at least a first pair of appendages; and, at least a second pair of appendage cuts located in the sheet which run generally parallel with the axis in at least one or more portions of the cuts, thereby forming at least a second pair of appendages; and, wherein the paired cuts are symmetrical with each other across the axis of symmetry.
 21. The toy of claim 20, wherein the first appendage cuts and the second appendage cuts create appendages along the left and right edges of the sheet.
 22. The toy of claim 20, wherein the first and/or the second appendage cuts are the same cuts as the body cuts.
 23. The toy of claim 20, wherein the first and/or the second appendage cuts comprise one or more sections that are generally perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
 24. The toy of claim 20, wherein the first and/or the second appendage cuts comprise at least a second section that is generally parallel to the axis of symmetry.
 25. The toy of claim 20, wherein the first and/or second appendage cuts form one or more third appendages.
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled)
 38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled)
 40. A three-dimensional folding toy, the toy comprising: a bilaterally symmetrical sheet comprising a top end (up on the sheet), a bottom end (down on the sheet), a left side and a right side, wherein an axis of symmetry runs from the top end to the bottom end; a pair of body cuts running generally parallel to the axis, defining a body region therebetween; a pair of top cuts located in a top half of the sheet and running out laterally then turning more downward, wherein the top cuts do not directly intersect body cuts; and, a pair of bottom cuts originating at the bottoms of the body cuts, running out laterally then turning more upward; wherein the paired cuts are symmetrical with each other across the axis of symmetry.
 41. The toy of claim 40, wherein the top cuts running down and the bottom cuts running up define top and bottom appendage regions respectively between the cuts and respective left and right edges of the sheet.
 42. The toy of claim 40, wherein the bottom of the top cuts or top of the bottom cuts turn laterally to intersect the left and right edges.
 43. The toy of claim 40, wherein the bottom end of the top cuts terminates at a bottom cutor the card edge; or wherein the top end of the bottom cuts terminates at a top cutor the sheet edge.
 44. (canceled)
 45. (canceled)
 46. (canceled)
 47. (canceled)
 48. (canceled)
 49. (canceled)
 50. (canceled)
 51. (canceled)
 52. (canceled) 